One of the hardest things after Mama died was letting her house go back to the bank. She and Daddy had taken out a second mortgage; none of us could afford to keep their house. It was a sad thing, letting that house go.
We didn’t really love the house, and none of us wanted it. It was musty, old and smelled of cigarette smoke. It had more wrong with it than right. But it was home for Mama, and when we would visit, she made it home for us. It was where we all got together, cooked, laughed and shared life.
And even though we didn’t love the house, we loved the memories of home that were made there. One time, when Mama and Daddy both happened to be in the hospital, my sister-in-law and I spent the night at the house, to make sure all was well. That night we learned plumbing. Because when the toilet doesn’t work, you have to learn plumbing.
Tammy and I slept on the recliners in the living room. We couldn’t get the gas heater to work, and it was cold in the back bedrooms. Or maybe we just wanted to be in the same room. Because you know the boogey man lives in the back woods of Mississippi.
One night, when I was there alone, I pushed back the curtains on the sliding glass door, and was startled at the person staring at me from the patio. It took about three or four seconds before I recognized my own reflection. But it could have been the boogey man.
Occasionally I get homesick for the smell of pine trees. I long for Daddy’s homemade yeast rolls dripping with butter, and playing the washer board game out back. I listen for Mama’s “Hey darlin’!”
Nothing can compare to home. I wonder what makes it so magical, what draws us? I believe it’s because our roots are there. It’s our foundation. It’s a safe place.
Maybe you didn’t have that foundation, that place you always went “home” to, like I did. Maybe you don’t have fond memories of home. Perhaps it wasn’t safe for you at all, and you long for a refuge, your very own safe place. It’s something you’ve never had.
Let me be the first to say: Welcome home!
There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? John 14:2 (NLT)
Jesus has a home prepared for you. He’s getting your rooms ready. There is more than enough space for you to spread out. There is an abundance of love to be poured out on you.
And what about the city where your home is located? Its Architect and Builder is God. The city’s foundations are firm and permanent. It is a forever city and will have your forever home on its streets.
Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God. Hebrews 11:10 (NLT)
God set eternity in our hearts, and built a city for our home, and Jesus is preparing it for us. That warms my heart!
I can almost smell the homemade yeast rolls, can’t you?
Until next week,
Joining these lovely writers. Be sure to visit their pages, you’ll be encouraged!
Suzie Eller, Live Free Thursday
Kelly at Purposeful Faith
Holly at Testimony Tuesday
Crystal at Intentionally Pursuing the Heart of God
Winter at Words with Winter
Jennifer at Tell His Story
